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News
Spring Wildflowers Return to Ashdown Forest
The ancient heathland is ablaze with colour as bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic carpet the forest floor this April.
Crowborough Bakery Wins Great Taste Award
The Beacon Bakehouse has been awarded two gold stars for its sourdough loaves made with locally milled flour.
New Community Orchard Planted at Uckfield
Volunteers braved the winter weather to plant 40 heritage fruit trees in a new community green space on the edge of town.
Historic Wealden Church Saved by Crowdfunding Campaign
St Mary's Church in Hartfield has raised over £180,000 to repair its medieval timber roof after an urgent public appeal.
Wealden Runners Smash Charity Target at Forest Half Marathon
Over 500 runners took on the hilly Ashdown Forest course, raising more than £45,000 for local mental health charities.
How to Spot Bluebells in High Weald Woodland
The High Weald is one of the finest places in Sussex to find carpets of native bluebells lighting up ancient woodland floors each spring.
Welcome to Around the Weald
A new home for community news, local events, and the stories that make the High Weald special. Here's what we're about.
Discovering the High Weald AONB
Ancient farmland, sunken lanes, and heathland heather — a guide to exploring one of England's most unspoilt landscapes.
Supporting Local — Why It Matters
From farm shops to independent bookshops, spending locally keeps the character of our villages alive. We explain why it counts.
Events
South Downs Way Guided Walk — Spring Wildflowers
Join a National Park ranger for a 6-mile guided walk along the South Downs Way, spotting early orchids, cowslips and chalk grassland butterflies. Bring packed lunch and sturdy boots.
Dark Skies Stargazing at Seven Sisters
Explore the International Dark Sky Reserve with expert astronomers. Telescopes provided — marvel at Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and the Milky Way from one of the darkest spots in south-east England.
Wealden Farmers' Market
Monthly market featuring the best local produce from farms across the High Weald. Fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, free-range meats, baked goods, and seasonal flowers.
Wealden Half-Term Family Trail
A self-guided trail through Hailsham town centre with puzzles and prizes for children aged 4–12. Collect your map from the library and follow the clues!
Hedgerow Heritage Walk — Wadhurst
Discover the ancient hedgerows of the High Weald with ecologist Dr Sarah Keen. Learn to identify 15+ native species and understand why these living boundaries are vital wildlife corridors.
Mayfield May Day Celebrations
Traditional May Day festivities on the village green — maypole dancing, Morris men, craft stalls, cream teas, and the crowning of the May Queen. A beloved Wealden tradition since 1895.
Forest Bathing in Broadwater Warren
Slow down and reconnect with nature in this guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session. Suitable for all fitness levels — no hiking involved, just gentle sensory immersion in the woodland.
Yoga in the Park — Crowborough
Free outdoor yoga sessions on Goldsmiths Recreation Ground every Saturday morning in spring. All levels welcome — just bring a mat and water. Led by qualified Healthy Wealden instructors.
Crowborough Annual Litter Pick
Help keep our town beautiful! Join the Great Spring Clean-Up — bags, gloves and hi-vis provided. Meet at the War Memorial for a briefing before heading out in groups.
Forest Row Spring Fair
An eclectic mix of local art, handmade crafts, organic produce and live acoustic music on the village green. Over 40 stalls from Forest Row makers and growers.
Bluebell Railway — Mothering Sunday Cream Tea Special
Treat Mum to a vintage steam-train journey through the Sussex countryside with prosecco and a traditional cream tea served in restored Pullman carriages.
Bluebell Railway — Thomas & Friends Weekend
A Day Out With Thomas returns to the Bluebell Railway! Ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet the Fat Controller, and enjoy fairground rides, magic shows and face painting.
Sheffield Park — Bluebell Walk & Photography Workshop
Capture the stunning bluebell carpet with tips from a professional wildlife photographer. Early morning access before the gardens open to the public — magical light guaranteed.
Sheffield Park — Spring Garden Tour
Head gardener-led tour of the 18th-century landscaped gardens in their spring glory. Discover the history of Capability Brown's planting schemes and the rare specimen trees in the arboretum.
Knepp Safaris — Nightingale Dawn Chorus Walk
Experience one of England's greatest wildlife spectacles — the dawn chorus of nightingales at Knepp. Led by estate ecologists, you'll hear turtle doves, cuckoos and up to 30 singing nightingales.
Knepp Safaris — Rewilding Walking Safari
A three-hour walking safari through the Knepp estate to see free-roaming longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and fallow deer. Learn how rewilding has transformed 3,500 acres of former farmland.
Hartfield Village Fête
The annual village fête returns with stalls, games, live music, a dog show, cream teas and the ever-popular tug of war. All proceeds to village charities.
Bluebell Walk at Ashdown Forest
Guided nature walk through ancient woodland to see the spectacular spring bluebell display. Suitable for all ages, dogs welcome on leads.
Businesses
The Beacon Bakehouse
Award-winning artisan bakery specialising in sourdough and pastries made with locally milled heritage grain flour.
Wealden Woodcraft
Hand-crafted furniture and homewares made from sustainably sourced local timber. Commissions and workshops available.
Forest Row Yoga Studio
Welcoming studio offering yoga, Pilates and meditation classes for all levels. Drop-ins welcome.